Exam 1 GEB-3213 (Ch.1-4) Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a complex process of encoding and decoding information, ideas, and feelings? A) Transmission Model B) Feedback C) Communication D) Professional Presence E) Confidence - ANS - C) Communication Putting ideas into words, images, or actions takes place during which step in the communication process? A) Interaction B) Medium determination C) Encoding D) Decoding E) Transmission - ANS - C) Encoding Language that is difficult to understand or is ambiguous is indicative of what type of barrier? A) Semantic B) Psychological C) Feedback D) Physiological E) Physical - ANS - A) Semantic Which of the following are elements of nonverbal communication and professional presence? A) Polish, confidence, and passion B) Team work and writing skills C) Confidence and technical knowledge D) Team work and technical knowledge E) Oral communication and the ability to process information - ANS - A) Polish, confidence, and passion Most students believe they are best prepared in the area of critical and analytical thinking when they graduate from college. In which area do employers find students well prepared? A) Complex problem solving B) Written communication C) Critical and analytical thinking D) Applying knowledge to the real world E) Teamwork - ANS - E) Teamwork How can you, as the communicator, increase the likelihood that your message will be accurately understood? A) Include step-by-step instructions for the audience. B) Make the message easy for the audience to understand C) Ask the audience if they need any further information D) Look for nonverbal feedback from the audience E) Follow up the written communication with a phone call - ANS - B) Make the message easy for the audience to understand Actions, attire, grammar usage, and proofreading all affect the ________ of an employee. A) Ethics B) Persuasiveness C) Appropriateness D) Presentation E) Professionalism - ANS - E) Professionalism Good business communicators understand that ___________________. A) their message must be able to reach and resonate with their intended audience B) being a good listener is not necessary to understand audience concerns C) being a good writer is the only way to reach your audience D) being a good reader is vital, as it is the only way to gain insight into audience concerns E) their message must influence anyone who reads it - ANS - A) their message must be able to reach and resonate with their intended audience Which of the following workplace activities is most likely to be the one in which your communication skills will be utilized? A) Calculating whether sales are up this quarter using the latest figures B) Analyzing the pattern of errors found in your new product C) Persuading your colleagues that your idea will likely lead to increased sales D) Designing algorithms for the to-be-developed software E) Formulating strategies to manage your new team - ANS - C) Persuading your colleagues that your idea will likely lead to increased sales In the context of doing business with people from other cultures, effective communicators _______________. A) treat others as they would like to be treated. B) treat everyone equally by ignoring cultural differences. C) follow exclusively the communication conventions of their own culture. D) memorize a list of cultural differences. E) are ready to adapt to different cultural needs. - ANS - E) are ready to adapt to different cultural needs To ensure the audience will interpret the message in the way the writer intended, what type of words should be used? A) Active B) Abstract C) Concrete D) Synonyms E) Passive - ANS - C) Concrete ____________________ is a logical process that involves evaluating the effectiveness of a message in relation to the needs of the audience and the purpose of the message. A) Revising B) Drafting C) Evaluating D) Writer's block E) Perfecting - ANS - A) Revising Business emails should ___________________. A) not contain bullet points B) focus on only one topic C) omit a salutation D) use generic headings E) contain only one paragraph - ANS - B) focus on only one topic A document's format ___________________. A) can communicate professionalism to your audience B) will compensate fully for poor content C) cannot undermine your credibility D) varies wildly according to the choice of medium, with no consistent design principles applying to all media E) is only important to design professionals - ANS - A) can communicate professionalism to your audience When using a direct organization for a message, the main idea of your message ____________________. A) should not be stated at the beginning of your message B) is best not stated explicitly C) is best placed near the end of your communication D) should be included near the end of your message so as not to be overshadowed by your reasoning E) should be stated before the supporting details - ANS - E) should be stated before the supporting details The first draft of a message focuses on _________________. A) perfecting your grammar B) getting your thoughts on paper C) creating a purpose statement D) evaluating your word choices E) analyzing your audience - ANS - B) getting your thoughts on paper Simple, well-planned messages _____________________. A) require at least five drafts B) tend to be less successful in conveying the information C) benefit from at least two drafts D) do not require a first draft E) should have exactly one draft - ANS - C) benefit from at least two drafts Before you decide what it is you want to communicate, what should be considered? A) How long it will take to compose the message B) Who the receiver will be C) Why you are communicating D) If you have a deadline E) How you can incorporate goodwill into the message - ANS - C) why you are communicating When analyzing the audience for a persuasive message, which of the following is one of the recommended questions? A) How should I organize the persuasive message? B) Does the content ensure complete information? C) What information does the audience need to know and why? D) How should I design the format and delivery? E) How will I benefit from my idea or proposal? - ANS - C) what information does the audience need to know and why? In the ACE process for communication, the first step is ____________________. A) adjusting B) adapting C) analyzing D) addressing E) authoring - ANS - C) analyzing The direct approach is more likely to ________________________ when compared to the indirect approach because the reader can find the main point quickly. A) take more time to get to the point B) include a request at the end of the message C) get to the point slowly D) be the better choice for most requests E) be difficult to understand - ANS - D) be the better choice for most requests When would the indirect approach be a better choice for your message? A) When your audience will likely not understand your request without context. B) When you wish to take a more formal approach with the audience. C) When you would want to have more time to develop the message. D) When the audience must immediately understand your needs. E) When the audience is likely to comply with your request. - ANS - A) When your audience will likely not understand your request without context When making a claim by using online customer support, which information should you provide first? A) Name and contact information B) Where you purchased the item and for how much C) A list of product defects D) Statement of goodwill E) Your reason for writing - ANS - E) your reason for writing What is the advantage of writing with a "you" perspective? A) A "you" perspective allows the writer to organize the message based on his or her own thought process. B) A "you" perspective quickly identifies what the writer wants. C) A "you" perspective ensures that the writer limits detail. D) A "you" perspective is shorter, and therefore easier to produce. E) A "you" perspective motivates the audience to respond positively. - ANS - E) A "you" perspective motivates the audience to respond positively In addition to an expression of gratitude, what is a typical element found at the end of a routine request? A) An indication of consequences if the request is not fulfilled B) A reminder of reasons why the request should be granted C) An outline of alternatives D) A call for action E) An indication of how to reach the writer - ANS - D) A call to action When using an online tool to schedule a meeting, which of the following must you include? A) The name of the meeting. B) When the auto-reminder will be sent C) Where, when, and what type of meeting you are scheduling. D) When you need to receive responses. E) A list of included attachments. - ANS - C) Where, when, and what type of meeting you are scheduling When responding to questions face-to-face, how should you organize your response? A) Using a direct format. B) Using the same format you would use if you were responding in writing. C) Using an indirect format. D) By asking for clarification. E) Using the same format as a goodwill message. - ANS - B) Using the same format you would use if you were responding in writing Which of the following is the purpose of using BCC when sending an email message? A) When attempting to minimize unfair advantage. B) When you are emailing a group and want every recipient to "reply all." C) When you wish to avoid sharing sensitive information with everyone in the email. D) To protect the email addresses of recipients of the message. E) When blame must be placed on a specific individual or party. - ANS - D) To protect the email addresses of recipients of the message Assuming a customer claim will be granted, what type of response will allow the company to build a better relationship with the customer? A) Goodwill B) Direct C) Condolence D) Thank you E) Indirect - ANS - A) Goodwill Which of the following is most appropriate when writing a letter of appreciation to an American audience? A) A message which shows respect for the recipient by being indirect. B) A message focused on the context of the relationship. C) A message that is formal and lengthy. D) A message that is personal, sincere, and short. E) A message that is detailed and thorough - ANS - D) A message that is personal, sincere, and short What is overblown diction? A) When writers use needlessly complex or hyperbolic terms in place of simpler words and phrases. B) When writers start sentences or clauses with "there" or "it" followed by some form of a "to be" verb. C) When writers transform a verb into a noun (typically by adding an "-ion" or "-ment" suffix). D) When writers put the recipient of an action before the actor in a sentence. - ANS - A) When writers use needlessly complex or hyperbolic terms in place of simpler words or phrases Which of the following phrases is an example of overblown diction? A) "The first business writing courses at the University of Florida were offered in the early 2000s." B) "This is a good example of one of the style or diction errors we're studying this week." C) "There are many reasons why students should pay attention to the contents of Dr. Trainor's audio lectures." D) "Instructional opportunities that elucidate the lofty artistry of crafting prose are of exceptional usefulness to inquiring youths seeking professional enlightenment." - ANS - D) "Instructional opportunities that elucidate the lofty artistry of crafting prose are of exceptional usefulness to inquiring youths seeking professional enlightenment." What is parallel phrasing? A) When writers use the same grammatical form for all the items in a list or series. B) When writers start sentences or clauses with the word "this," "that," "these," or "those," unaccompanied by a following noun. C) When writers transform a verb into a noun (typically by adding an "-ion" or "-ment" suffix). D) When writers put the recipient of an action before the actor in a sentence. - ANS - A) When writers use the same grammatical form for all the items in a list or series Why should you always strive to maintain parallel phrasing? A) Because items and lists that use the same grammatical form are easier to read. B) Because parallel items rarely include nominalizations. C) Because parallel phrasing helps you avoid dummy subjects. D) Because parallel phrases typically use plain language. - ANS - A) Because items and lists that use the same grammatical form are easier to read Which of the following items in a series represents a lapse in parallel phrasing? A) Authoring an expression of this sort. B) Typing a passage that reads like this one. C) Writing a sentence in this fashion. D) Compose a phrase in this way. - ANS - D) Compose a phrase this way What is passive voice? A) When writers put the recipient of an action before the actor in a sentence. B) When writers start sentences or clauses with "there" or "it" followed by some form of a "to be" verb. C) When writers use the same grammatical form for all the items in a list or series. D) When writers transform a verb into a noun (typically by adding an "-ion" or "-ment" suffix). - ANS - A) When writers put the recipient of an action before the actor in a sentence Why is passive voice typically a problem? (Select the two answers that apply.) A) Because it inverts the timeline of action your sentence describes. C) Because it takes dynamic verbs and transforms them into static nouns. C) Because it allows writers to omit the person or thing responsible for an action. D) Because it's a vague placeholder that doesn't identify who or what is responsible for your sentence's action. - ANS - Both A and C Which of the following phrases is an example of passive voice? A) "The Management Communication Center is the creation of Dr. Fiona Barnes." B) "The first business writing courses at the University of Florida were offered in the early 2000s." C) "There are many reasons why students should pay attention to the contents of Dr. Trainor's audio lectures." D) "Instructional opportunities that elucidate the lofty artistry of crafting prose are of exceptional usefulness to inquiring youths seeking professional enlightenment." - ANS - B) "The first business writing courses at the University of Florida were offered in the early 2000s." What is a dummy subject? A) When writers use the same grammatical form for all the items in a list or series. B) When writers put the recipient of an action before the actor in a sentence. C) When writers start sentences or clauses with the word "this," "that," "these," or "those," unaccompanied by a following noun. D) When writers start sentences or clauses with "there" or "it" followed by some form of a "to be" verb. - ANS - D) When writers start sentences or clauses with "there" or "it" followed by some "to be" verb Why are dummy subjects a problem? A) Because they take dynamic verbs and transform them into static nouns. B) Because they invert the timeline of action your sentence describes. C) Because they force readers to look back to a previous sentence to understand what the opening pronoun refers to. D) Because they're vague placeholders that don't identify who or what is responsible for your sentence's action. - ANS - D) Because they're vague placeholders that don't identify who or what is responsible for your sentence's action Which of the following phrases contains a dummy subject? A) "The Management Communication Center is the creation of Dr. Fiona Barnes." B) "There are many reasons why students should pay attention to the contents of Dr. Trainor's audio lectures." C) "Instructional opportunities that elucidate the lofty artistry of crafting prose are of exceptional usefulness to inquiring youths seeking professional enlightenment." D) "This is a good example of one of the style or diction errors we're studying this week." - ANS - B) "There are many reasons why students should pay attention to the contents of Dr. Trainor's audio lectures." What is a vague pronoun? A) When writers put the recipient of an action before the actor in a sentence. B) When writers start sentences or clauses with "there" or "it" followed by some form of a "to be" verb. C) When writers use the same grammatical form for all the items in a list or series. D) When writers start sentences or clauses with the word "this," "that," "these," or "those," unaccompanied by a following noun. - ANS - D) When writers start sentences or clauses with the word "this," "that," "these," or "those," unaccompanied by a following noun. Why are vague pronouns a problem? A) Because they invert the timeline of action your sentence describes. B) Because they force readers to look back to a previous sentence to understand what the opening pronoun refers to. C) Because they're vague placeholders that don't identify who or what is responsible for your sentence's action. D) Because they take dynamic verbs and transform them into static nouns. - ANS - B) Because the force readers to look back to a previous sentence to understand what the opening pronoun refers to Which of the following phrases contains a vague pronoun? A) "There are many reasons why students should pay attention to the contents of Dr. Trainor's audio lectures." B) "The first business writing courses at the University of Florida were offered in the early 2000s." C) "This is a good example of one of the style or diction errors we're studying this week." D) "The Management Communication Center is the creation of Dr. Fiona Barnes." - ANS - C) "This is a good example of one of the style or diction errors we're studying this week." What is a nominalization? A) When writers start sentences or clauses with the word "this," "that," "these," or "those," unaccompanied by a following noun. B) When writers use the same grammatical form for all the items in a list or series. C) When writers transform a verb into a noun (typically by adding an "-ion" or "-ment" suffix). D) When writers use needlessly complex or hyperbolic terms in place of simpler words and phrases. - ANS - C) When writers transform a verb into a noun (typically by adding an "-ion" or "-ment" suffix). Why are nominalizations a problem? A) Because they force readers to look back to a previous sentence to understand what the opening pronoun refers to. B) Because they invert the timeline of the action your sentence describes. C) Because they're vague placeholders that don't identify who or what is responsible for your sentence's action. D) Because they take dynamic verbs and transform them into static nouns. - ANS - D) Because they take dynamic verbs and transform them into static nouns. Which of the following phrases contains a nominalization? A) "Instructional opportunities that elucidate the lofty artistry of crafting prose are of exceptional usefulness to inquiring youths seeking professional enlightenment." B) "The Management Communication Center is the creation of Dr. Fiona Barnes." C)"The first business writing courses at the University of Florida were offered in the early 2000s." D) "This is a good example of one of the style or diction errors we're studying this week." - ANS - B) "The Management Communication Center is the creation of Dr. Fiona Barnes." What else can you do to ensure your writing is as clear as possible? (Select the two answers that apply.) A) Omit pronouns. B) Avoid negative constructions. C) Omit articles. D) Avoid inactive verbs. - ANS - Both B and D Select the best definition of "concision." A) Writing that your audience can read and navigate quickly. B) Writing that avoids all pronouns. C) Writing that uses the fewest number of words possible. D) Writing that avoids all prepositional phrases. - ANS - A) Writing that your audience can read and navigate quickly. What's one of the simplest ways to ensure your reader can navigate your writing quickly? A) Follow all the major clarity principles. B) Avoid all prepositional phrases. C) Use the fewest number of words possible. D) Repeat all your most important thoughts at least three times. - ANS - A) Follow all the major clarity principles. What style errors does the following sentence contain? "I believe that there might be potential for some misunderstandings between your team and the sales team from Japan." (Select the two answers that apply.) A) Dummy subject B) Hedging C) Passive voice D) Vague pronoun - ANS - Both A and B What style errors does the following sentence contain? "I would like to know how much paint is required to cover the total area, the final cost, and the expected time to delivery." (Select the two answers that apply.) A) Redundant pair B) Vague pronoun C) Metadiscourse D) Passive voice - ANS - Both C and D What style errors does the following sentence contain? "John Spillane, the well-known business journalist, wrote that these are not fully appreciated by students, or rather how valuable they are to employers." (Select the two answers that apply.) A) Nominalization B) Passive voice C) Vague pronoun D) Metadiscourse - ANS - Both B and C How would you rewrite the following sentence to avoid clarity and cohesion errors? "All expenses are handled by the corporate office and there will be staff in place from the other locations to run store #123 while you and your employees are at the summit." A) While you and your team are at the summit, there will be staffers on hand to run store #123 and handle its expenses. B) While you and your team are at the summit, corporate will send staffers to run store #123 and handle its expenses. C) While you and your team are at the summit, all expenses will be handled by corporate staffers at store #123. D) While you and your team of colleagues are at the summit, there will be staffers on hand to run store #123 and handle its monetary expenses. - ANS - B) While you and your team are at the summit, corporate will send staffers to run store #123 and handle its expenses. How would you rewrite the following sentence to avoid clarity and cohesion errors? "First and foremost, it was felt that, if students were going to successfully participate in the competition for jobs, they would need strong communication skills." A) Students felt that they needed to communicate well to successfully compete for jobs. B) First, administrators felt that, if students wanted to compete for jobs, strong communication skills were needed. C) First, administrators believed that students needed to communicate well to successfully compete for jobs. D) First, it was felt that, if students were to successfully compete for jobs, they would need strong communication skills. - ANS - C) First, administrators believed that students needed to communicate well to successfully compete for jobs. Why are bad news messages challenging to compose? A) They demand that you begin with the bad news, which will likely alienate your audience. B) They force you to offend your audience. C) They must be lengthy and vague to avoid legal consequences. D) They require you to achieve a number of goals that are incompatible at first glance. E) They make it impossible to maintain your audience's goodwill. - ANS - D) They require you to achieve a number of goals that are incompatible at first glance. One of the goals of delivering bad news is to: A) State the news clearly, yet sensitively B) Do whatever is necessary to get the point across, even if offending your audience C) Budget additional time to re-explain the message D) Protect the audience's self-esteem by only hinting at the news E) Gloss over facts that may cause legal complications - ANS - A) State the bad news clearly, yet sentitively To be effective, a bad news message should most importantly: A) Disregard the reaction of the audience B) Apologize sincerely C) Diminish the importance of the bad news so as to soften the impact D) Demand clearly your desired outcome E) Explain the reasons behind the bad news - ANS - E) Explain the reasons behind the bad news In which stage of the ACE process does a communicator determine the best medium to use in providing the bad news? A) Critiquing B) Addressing C) Evaluating D) Composing E) Analyzing - ANS - E) Analyzing When possible, which method of delivering bad news is usually the best choice? A) Phone call B) Face-to-face C) Tweet D) Email E) Text - ANS - B) Face-to-face If your audience is expecting to hear from you, and the bad news is not a surprise, what organizational approach will benefit the message? A) Persuasive B) Goodwill C) Indirect D) Casual E) Direct - ANS - E) Direct When using an indirect approach to a bad news message, what information should you include before the main idea? A) A call to action B) An alternative solution C) An apology D) An attention-getting device E) An explanation - ANS - E) An explanation What is the best way to ensure the audience understands the bad news? A) Invite the audience to contact you to discuss the bad news B) State the bad news clearly C) Use vague language D) Start the message with a hint that bad news is coming E) Imply the bad news - ANS - B) State the bad news clearly How can you use a buffer to soften the bad news? A) You can use the buffer to specifically state the bad news B) You can use the buffer to provide context for the message C) You can use the buffer to emphasize the severity of the message D) You can use the buffer to act as a courteous close E) You can use the buffer to offer alternatives to the bad news - ANS - B) You can use the buffer to provide context for the message When concluding bad news messages, which of the following can you use to promote goodwill? A) Subordinating the bad news B) Restating your main point C) Explaining how you will benefit from the bad news D) Proposing an alternative E) Indicating the decision was not your own. - ANS - D) Proposing an alternative How does continuity enhance your writing? A) Continuity helps readers navigate your document as quickly as possible. B) Continuity helps readers understand the meaning of your individual sentences. C) Continuity establishes links between individual sentences. D) Continuity helps readers grasp the meaning of both paragraphs and documents. - ANS - C) Continuity establishes links between individual sentences. How can you establish continuity in your writing? (Select the three answers that apply.) A) By using common subjects across multiple sentences. B) By sequencing your sentences. C) By using transitions. D) By including mapping sentences throughout your writing. - ANS - A, B, and C How do transitions establish continuity in your writing? A) By organizing different sentences around the same person, place, thing, or concept. B) By using content from the end of one sentence in the beginning of another. C) By reiterating the point of a particular sentence at the beginning and end of a paragraph. D) By indicating the logical relationships between sentences. - ANS - D) By indicating the logical relationships between sentences. Which of the following words are examples of transitions? (Select the three answers that apply.) A) However B) First C) Into D) For example - ANS - A, B, and D How does sequencing establish continuity in your writing? A) By indicating the logical relationships between sentences. B) By using content from the end of one sentence in the beginning of another. C) By organizing different sentences around the same person, place, thing, or concept. D) By previewing the structure and content of the next three to five sentences. - ANS - B) By using content from the end of one sentence in the beginning of another. Which of the following sentence pairs demonstrate sequencing? (Select the three answers that apply.) A) "Dr. Trainor got help from his cat Lucy when writing these sentences. His cat is a friendly tuxedo named Lucy." B) "Dr. Trainor doesn't enjoy writing sample sentences. But he nevertheless feels compelled to write them." C) "One of the three continuity principles can help you link sentences with different subjects. This sentence and the previous one are an example of this principle in action." D) "Dr. Trainor supplied his students with many sample sentences demonstrating how continuity works. This sentence pair, for instance, provides an example of the most powerful continuity technique." - ANS - A, C, and D How do common subjects establish continuity in your writing? A) By indicating the logical relationships between sentences. B) By organizing different sentences around the same person, place, thing, or concept. C) By reiterating the point of a particular sentence at the beginning and end of a paragraph. D) By using content from the end of one sentence in the beginning of another. - ANS - B) By organizing different sentences around the same person, place, thing, or concept. In which of the following sentence pairs do common subjects establish continuity? (Select the two answers that apply.) A) "Dr. Trainor got help from his cat Lucy when writing these sentences. His cat is a friendly tuxedo named Lucy." B) "One of the three continuity principles can help you link sentences with different subjects. This sentence and the previous one are an example of this principle in action." C) "Dr. Trainor supplied his students with many sample sentences demonstrating how continuity works. This sentence pair, for instance, provides an example of the most powerful continuity technique." D) "Dr. Trainor doesn't enjoy writing sample sentences. But he nevertheless feels compelled to write them." - ANS - A and D The following sentence pair is knit together using which of the three continuity principles? "The Warrington College of Business is currently ranked nineteenth among business schools at public universities. Last year, by contrast, the college was ranked fourteenth in the same study." (Select the two answers that apply.) A) Transitions B) Common subjects C) Sequencing - ANS - A and B The following sentence pair is knit together using which of the three continuity principles? "Last year the college was ranked fourteenth in the same study. This study bases its findings on a wide variety of factors." A) Common subjects B) Sequencing C) Transitions - ANS - B) Sequencing The following sentence pair is knit together using which of the three continuity principles? "This study bases its findings on a wide variety of factors. These factors, for instance, include alumni salaries and donations, tuition costs, and class size." (Select the two answers that apply.) A) Transitions B) Common subjects C) Sequencing - ANS - A and C The following sentence pair is knit together using which of the three continuity principles? "These factors, for instance, include alumni salaries and donations, tuition costs, and class size. Alumni donations in particular play an outsized role in determining the college's rankings." (Select the two answers that apply.) A) Sequencing B) Common subjects C) Transitions - ANS - A and C How does cohesion enhance your writing? A) Cohesion establishes links between individual sentences. B) Cohesion helps readers understand the meaning of your individual sentences. C) Cohesion helps readers grasp the meaning of both paragraphs and documents. D) Cohesion helps readers navigate your document as quickly as possible. - ANS - C) Cohesion helps readers grasp the meaning of both paragraphs and documents. How does cohesion work? (Select the three answers that apply.) A) Cohesion works by structuring your writing using the principles of primary and recency. B) Cohesion works by positioning the main points of paragraphs and documents at their openings and conclusions. C) Cohesion works by building links between units of text. D) Cohesion works by previewing the structure of a document in its opening or introduction. - ANS - A, B, and D What is primacy? A) Primacy describes readers' tendency to recall pieces of information that are dissimilar from other items in a document, paragraph, list, or series. B) Primacy describes readers' tendency to recall the first thing they encounter in a document or paragraph. C) Primacy describes readers' tendency to recall pieces of information they encounter twice. D) Primacy describes readers' tendency to recall the last thing they encounter in a document or paragraph. - ANS - B) Primacy describes readers' tendency to recall the first thing they encounter in a document or paragraph. What is recency? A) Recency describes readers' tendency to recall the first thing they encounter in a document or paragraph. B) Recency describes readers' tendency to recall pieces of information they encounter twice. C) Recency describes readers' tendency to recall the last thing they encounter in a document or paragraph. D) Recency describes readers' tendency to recall pieces of information that are dissimilar from other items in a document, paragraph, list, or series. - ANS - C) Recency describes readers' tendency to recall the last thing they encounter in a document or paragraph. How can you establish cohesion in your writing? (Select the two answers that apply.) A) By eliminating signposting like bold section headers. B) By using head-body-foot structure in paragraphs and documents. C) By previewing the content and structure of your message using a mapping sentence. D) By eliminating unnecessary words and phrases. - ANS - B and D What is a paragraph head? A) A paragraph head is a sentence (or sentences) that uses continuity principles to knit a paragraph to the one that preceded it. B) A paragraph head is a compelling piece of information that grabs your reader's attention and encourages them to read the entirety of your message. C) A paragraph head is a sentence (or sentences) at the beginning of your document that previews the structure and content of a lengthy message. D) A paragraph head is a sentence (or sentences) at the beginning of a paragraph that previews the paragraph's message or purpose. - ANS - D) A paragraph head is a sentence (or sentences) at the beginning of a paragraph that previews the paragraph's message or purpose. What is a paragraph foot? A) A paragraph foot is a sentence (or sentences) at the end of your document that reviews the structure and content of a lengthy message. B) A paragraph foot is a compelling piece of information that grabs your reader's attention and encourages them to take action. C) A paragraph foot is a sentence (or sentences) at the end of a paragraph that summarizes the paragraph's message or purpose. D) A paragraph foot is a sentence (or sentences) that uses continuity principles to knit a paragraph to the one that follows it. - ANS - C) A paragraph foot is a sentence (or sentences) at the end of a paragraph that summarizes the paragraph's message or purpose. Should all paragraphs and documents include feet? A) Yes, all paragraphs and documents require summative feet. B) Yes and no, all documents require feet but not all paragraphs. C) Yes and no, all paragraphs require feet but not all documents. D) No, only lengthy, complex paragraphs and documents require summative feet. - ANS - D) No, only lengthy, complex paragraphs and documents require summative feet. What is a mapping sentence? A) A mapping sentence is a compelling piece of information that grabs your reader's attention and encourages them to read the entirety of your message. B) A mapping sentence is a sentence at the beginning of a paragraph that previews the paragraph's message or purpose. C) A mapping sentence is a sentence at the beginning of your document that previews the structure and content of a lengthy message. D) A mapping sentence is a sentence that establishes the writer's geographic location at the time of writing. - ANS - C) A mapping sentence is a sentence at the beginning of your document that previews the structure and content of a lengthy message. Should all messages include a mapping sentence? A) No, writers only need to include mapping sentence when readers are unaware of their geographic location. B) No, only lengthy, complex documents require a mapping sentence. C) Yes, all documents require a mapping sentence. D) Yes, all documents require multiple mapping sentences. Documents should, in fact, include a mapping sentence for every individual paragraph. - ANS - B) No, only lengthy, complex documents require a mapping sentence. Read the following mapping sentence: "Acme Corporation should adopt new inventory management software because of its low cost, ease of use, and ability to be customized." If a message included this mapping sentence, what body sections or paragraphs would you expect it to contain? A) A paragraph or section on how easily Acme employees can learn to use the software. B) A paragraph or section on how Acme programmers can adapt the software to the company's needs. C) A paragraph or section on how much the software will cost Acme Corp. D) All of the above - ANS - D) All of the above Which of the following sentences would make the best paragraph head for the body of text below: "Lucy will try to chew your hair when you're trying to sleep. She loves to lie down on the computer keyboard right when you're planning to get started on a piece of writing. And she often jumps out of rooms just as you're about to pass by the doorway." A) I have a cat named Lucy. B) My cat Lucy has several annoying, but nevertheless endearing, habits. C) Lucy also meows loudly in the morning until she gets her daily treats. D) My cat Lucy is a fearsome predator and a menace to neighborhood squirrels. - ANS - B) My cat Lucy has several annoying, but nevertheless endearing, habits. Which of the following sentences would make the best paragraph head for the body of text below: "Many students use the skills they learn in GEB3213 to enhance their resumes and cover letters. One student, for instance, who had previously struggled to get job interviews, soon found herself negotiating dozens of interview offers after taking this course. Other students, meanwhile, use their newfound writing skills to communicate more clearly and effectively with clients. And still other veterans of professional writing use their skills to promote their own personal brand or that of their employers on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter." A) Students derive a variety of benefits from GEB3213: Writing in Business. B) Communication skills are in high demand among employers. C) Students who earn a business degree have better career outcomes than students who go straight from a business undergrad program into t - ANS - A) Students derive a variety of benefits from GEB3213: Writing in Business. If an argument has merit, or is only partially correct, you may respond to the argument using a ____________________. A) Concession B) Refutation C) Resistance statement D) Goal statement E) Rebuttal - ANS - A) Concession To ensure you have implemented an effective persuasive strategy, what should be done before delivering the message? A) Identify the delivery method B) Evaluate the draft C) Compose the message according to the persuasive plan D) Determine the medium E) Outline the order of key points - ANS - B) Evaluate the draft Which of the following terms best represents a response intended to prove an objection is wrong? A) Accession B) Argumentation C) Aggregation D) Concession E) Refutation - ANS - E) Refutation To convince your boss to implement a procedural change in your department, which of the following best constitutes a concession in the context of a message? A) This change will be beneficial for the company in terms of profit. B) The changeover may cause some minor initial delays, but in the long run, this shift will increase the speed of transactions by approximately 50 percent. C) Implementing this change would not require the system to be shut down during business hours. D) This changeover will require some additional training, and I know that we don't have the budget for that right now. - ANS - B) The changeover may cause some minor initial delays, but in the long run, this shift will increase the speed of transactions by approximately 50 percent. To develop the most persuasive content for a communication, you must first understand: A) where the audience is located B) whether or not the audience finds you credible C) what key questions the audience might ask D) what content will best motivate the audience E) how to make your statistics compelling - ANS - D) what content will best motivate the audience If you are not an authority on a particular subject, how can you add credibility to your message? A) Add numbers and statistics to the message B) Use phrases such as, "In my experience," or "I believe" C) Use industry jargon and slang to show you know how to talk business D) Discuss only areas where you are an authority E) Cite authorities and experts - ANS - E) Cite authorities and experts Which of the following is a professional way to establish credibility? A) Do not mention your educational qualifications and expertise B) Mention your relationship with someone your audience knows or respects C) Maintain a safe and respectful distance from the audience D) Avoid mentioning your key credentials to avoid sounding boastful E) Present a biased point of view that favors your requirements - ANS - B) Mention your relationship with someone your audience knows or respects Which appeal is the foundation for most persuasive business messages? A) Emotion B) Logos C) Ethos D) Benefits E) Refutation - ANS - B) Logos A persuasive appeal that uses ______ may be supported by including a small or free gift. A) Consistency B) Scarcity C) Social proof D) Reciprocity E) Liking - ANS - D) Reciprocity A false dilemma occurs when the argument: A) draws a conclusion from a sample that is either too small or does not represent the larger population B) attacks a person who disagrees with you rather than addressing the issues C) asserts that only two choices exist, while ignoring other options D) is supported by comparing it to something not comparable E) focuses on irrelevant issues to draw attention away from a central issue - ANS - C) asserts that only two choices exist, while ignoring other options What is the first step in preparing a proposal? A) Identifying a clear idea of your purpose B) Identifying your target audience and their needs C) Identifying the deadline or due date D) Understanding the context of the issue E) Determining the content that you will include - ANS - A) Identifying a clear idea of your purpose A ____________ proposal is a proposal that the writer initiates. A) External B) Unsolicited C) Formal D) Internal E) Solicited - ANS - B) Unsolicited Which of the following is an example of an internal proposal? A) A proposal asking a client to select your firm for an upcoming project B) A proposal asking a foundation to fund a program for your community C) A proposal asking local businesses to sponsor your charity event D) A proposal asking another company to do a joint venture E) A proposal asking your supervisor to implement a new initiative - ANS - E) A proposal asking your supervisor to implement a new initiative The details of a proposal must always prove that you are credible and that the plan is A) Feasible B) Transferable C) Deliverable D) Timely E) Cost effective - ANS - A) Feasible Well written proposals include a specific course of action for an organization and show the audience how this course of action makes sense, creating a stronger __________________. A) Justification for price B) Ability to enforce the sales contract C) Understanding of how others have benefited from a similar experience D) Business case E) Sense of integrity - ANS - D) Business case The term _________________ refers to the supplemental information provided in a proposal. It often includes examples of past projects, client testimonials, and technical specifications. A) Introduction B) Executive Summary C) Appendices D) References E) Overview - ANS - C) Appendices Establishing _____________ means showing that you have the ability to deliver what you propose. A) Agreeability B) Credibility C) Feasibility D) Adaptability E) Assimilability - ANS - B) Credibility In a lengthy proposal, using which of the following components is most likely to help the reader see the structure of the document at a glance? A) Appendices B) Footnotes C) Glossary D) Headings E) References - ANS - D) Headings Which of the following is a separate, stand-alone mini-document that summarizes the document's main ideas? A) Project Analysis B) Executive Summary C) Appendices D) RFP E) Table of Contents - ANS - B) Executive Summary Which of the following is a benefit of sending a proposal via email? A) Costs and risks do not have to be included in the proposal, as they would be covered in the email B) Additional information not covered in the proposal can be included C) The receiver can print hard copies of sections of the proposal based on their interests D) The proposal can be summarized in the email E) The writer has the opportunity to include a strong business case - ANS - D) The proposal can be summarized in the email Frontloading - ANS - main point first, context and details follow In-Person Communication Pros - ANS - allows for instant feedback and non-verbal cues Written Communication Pros - ANS - leaves permanent record and gives time to revise and polish 8 things every email should have - ANS - 1. Subject 2. Greeting 3. Purpose Statement 4. Background Info/context 5. Main Point/Details 6. Call to Action 7. Goodwill 8. Signature RNR - ANS - Rationale, Bad News, Resolution Used in an Indirect Bad News Message 3 elements of a strong cohesive paragraph - ANS - 1. Head (claims) 2. Body (evidence) 3. Foot (reasoning) 4 elements of a persuasive message - ANS - 1. identify problem/need your message seeks to solve 2. must propose solution to problem 3. support proposal with reason and evidence 4. end with call to action/goodwill Important Persuasive Phrase - ANS - LEAD WITH NEED Appeal to logos by - ANS - 1. supporting claims with reason and evidence 2. anticipating and rebutting potential objections 3. make evidence intelligible and memorable - humanize stats - prefer concrete info - appeal to visual sense Appeal to pathos by - ANS - 1. connecting to reader's motives, needs, and fears 2. emphasize benefits over features or experience over facts Appeal to ethos by - ANS - writing well and developing your reputation off the page 6 Psychological Principles of Persuasion - ANS - - developed by Robert Cialdini 1. reciprocity 2. consistency 3. consensus 4. liking 5. scarcity 6. authority To be effective, a bad news message should most importantly: A) Disregard the reaction of the audience B) Apologize sincerely C) Diminish the importance of the bad news so as to soften the impact D) Demand clearly your desired outcome E) Explain the reasons behind the bad news - ANS - E) Explain the reasons behind the bad news